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source of bottom heat from tan, or other fermenting 

 matter within the house, is found so very congenial to 

 the swelling of grapes. It is, however, of much im- 

 portance to gain air very early in the morning, 

 especially if much moisture has been confined during 

 the night ; we have no doubt that rust and other 

 evils are frequently engendered by the morning sun, 

 acting on a stagnant atmosphere. Syringing has 

 many advocates during the first swelling. We, how- 

 ever, say, if all other appliances are right, there is 

 no real necessity for it, and it certainly damages the 

 " bloom," as it is termed. A somewhat close system 

 of stopping should be pursued during the first swel- 

 ling ; always, however, allowing some of the uniform 

 shoots to ramble occasionally a joint or two in order 

 to prevent the back or main buds from bursting ; as 

 also to encourage action of root. 



6. Stoning Period. — As soon as the berries have 

 completed their first swelling, which may always be 

 known by their size and by their becoming stationary, 

 the "stoning process" (as it is called by gardeners) 

 commences. During this period a little more ram- 

 bling may be allowed to take place, more especially 

 in parts of the house where there is room for more 

 healthy foliage without shading the principal leaves. 

 The same atmospheric management may be pursued 

 as in the former period ; if any difference, let a still 

 freer circulation of air take place. The season will 



